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Welsh minister Carl Sargeant died of hanging, inquest told Welsh minister Carl Sargeant died of hanging, inquest told
(about 2 hours later)
Wales Assembly Member Carl Sargeant was found hanged at his home by his wife, a coroner's court has heard.Wales Assembly Member Carl Sargeant was found hanged at his home by his wife, a coroner's court has heard.
The 49-year-old was found dead last Tuesday by his wife Bernadette, four days after being removed from his role as cabinet secretary for communities and children.The 49-year-old was found dead last Tuesday by his wife Bernadette, four days after being removed from his role as cabinet secretary for communities and children.
The father-of-two, from Connah's Quay, North Wales, was suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of "unwanted attention, inappropriate touching or groping".The father-of-two, from Connah's Quay, North Wales, was suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of "unwanted attention, inappropriate touching or groping".
But he was not told the details of what he was accused of and unable to properly defend himself, his family said.But he was not told the details of what he was accused of and unable to properly defend himself, his family said.
It is understood that details were withheld to protect the identity of the complainants but Mr Sargeant's family and solicitors say being kept in the dark caused him mental anguish.It is understood that details were withheld to protect the identity of the complainants but Mr Sargeant's family and solicitors say being kept in the dark caused him mental anguish.
Ms Sargeant had gone downstairs and found a note on the door of her utility room in her husband's handwriting advising her not to enter but to call the police, Ruthin Coroner's Court heard.Ms Sargeant had gone downstairs and found a note on the door of her utility room in her husband's handwriting advising her not to enter but to call the police, Ruthin Coroner's Court heard.
John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales (East and Central), giving details at the opening of the inquest into Mr Sargeant's death, continued: "Nonetheless she did go in and found her husband on the floor after an apparent act of self-harm."John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales (East and Central), giving details at the opening of the inquest into Mr Sargeant's death, continued: "Nonetheless she did go in and found her husband on the floor after an apparent act of self-harm."
Efforts to resuscitate him continued by Ms Sargeant and family members along with paramedics until life was pronounced extinct.Efforts to resuscitate him continued by Ms Sargeant and family members along with paramedics until life was pronounced extinct.
A provisional cause of death was given as hanging.A provisional cause of death was given as hanging.
Mr Gittins said his inquest will not consider the truth of allegations made against Mr Sargeant or making adjudications on "who is right or wrong".Mr Gittins said his inquest will not consider the truth of allegations made against Mr Sargeant or making adjudications on "who is right or wrong".
At a brief hearing to open and adjourn the inquest into Mr Sargeant's death, Mr Gitten said he will be seeking statements from witnesses at the Wales Assembly, including First Minister Carwyn Jones, and they may be required to attend the court at a future hearing.At a brief hearing to open and adjourn the inquest into Mr Sargeant's death, Mr Gitten said he will be seeking statements from witnesses at the Wales Assembly, including First Minister Carwyn Jones, and they may be required to attend the court at a future hearing.
Mr Gittins also said that, as coroner, it was his duty to consider any steps that may be taken to prevent future deaths. Mr Gittins also said that, as coroner, it was his duty to consider any steps that may be taken to prevent future deaths. He continued: "With this aspect of my role in mind, I shall be examining carefully the steps taken by the Assembly to have regard to Mr Sargeant's mental welfare prior to his death."
He continued: "With this aspect of my role in mind, I shall be examining carefully the steps taken by the Assembly to have regard to Mr Sargeant's mental welfare prior to his death." You can contact the Samaritans by calling them for free from any phone on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.
You can contact the Samaritans by calling them for free from any phone for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.
PAPA